Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

Mitsubishi partners with Modius

Japanese multinational engineering company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has signed an agreement with US-based Modius to integrate its OpenData data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) platform with MHI’s power, cooling, and control technologies. The collaboration will focus on delivering a comprehensive offering for data centre energy management (DCEM) on a global scale. Modius’s OpenData DCIM software provides real-time visibility into critical infrastructure, supporting improved capacity planning, energy efficiency, and uptime. The platform has been deployed in over 250 sites worldwide and includes AI/ML-based analytics to support proactive maintenance and operational optimisation. The integration of Modius’s platform into MHI’s data centre portfolio seeks to enhance the company’s ability to offer customers real-time diagnostics, predictive insights, and greater control over facility performance. The OpenData AI/ML module is designed to recognise normal operational patterns and flag anomalies early, allowing data centre operators to "respond before issues escalate." “With the addition of the Modius DCIM platform to our digital portfolio, we can offer enhanced services to both existing and new customers seeking visibility and operational optimisation in next-generation data centres,” claims Shin Gomi, Senior General Manager, DCEM at MHI. “MHI remains committed to supporting sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure.” Craig Compiano, President at Modius, adds, “MHI’s global presence and its alignment with our mission to drive efficiency, improve sustainability, and optimise performance in data centres make this collaboration a strong match. We look forward to working together to support facilities worldwide.”

Aligned collaborates with Divcon for its Advanced Cooling Lab

Divcon Controls, a US provider of building management systems and electrical power monitoring systems for data centres and mission-critical facilities, has announced its role in the development of Aligned Data Centers’ new Advanced Cooling Lab in Phoenix, Arizona, where it served as the controls vendor for the facility. The project marks a step forward in the design and management of liquid-cooled infrastructure to support artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads. The lab, which opened recently, is dedicated to testing advanced cooling methods for GPUs and AI accelerators. It reflects a growing need for more efficient thermal management as data centre density increases and energy requirements rise. “As the data centre landscape rapidly evolves to accommodate the immense power and cooling requirements of AI and HPC workloads, the complexities of managing mechanical systems in these environments are escalating,” says Kevin Timmons, Chief Executive Officer of Divcon Controls. “Our involvement with Aligned Data Centers' Advanced Cooling Lab has provided us with invaluable experience at the forefront of liquid cooling technology. "We are actively developing and deploying advanced control platforms that not only optimise the performance of these systems, but also contribute to long-term sustainability goals.” Divcon Controls has focused its work on managing the added complexity that liquid cooling introduces, including: • Precise thermal control — Managing coolant flow, temperature, and pressure to improve heat transfer efficiency and reduce energy consumption. • Integration with mechanical infrastructure — Coordinating the performance of pumps, heat exchangers, cooling distribution units (CDUs), and leak detection systems within a unified control framework. • Load-responsive adjustment — Adapting cooling output in real time to match fluctuating IT loads, helping maintain optimal operating conditions while limiting energy waste. • Visibility and predictive maintenance — Providing operators with detailed analytics on system performance to support proactive maintenance and longer equipment life. • Support for hybrid environments — Enabling the transition between air and liquid cooling within the same facility, as demonstrated at Aligned’s lab. As more facilities transition to hybrid and liquid-cooled architectures, Divcon Controls says it is focusing on delivering control systems that enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational risk, and ensure long-term asset reliability. “Our collaboration with industry leaders like Aligned Data Centers underscores our commitment to innovation and to solving the most pressing challenges in data centre infrastructure,” continues Kevin. “Divcon Controls is proud to be at the forefront of developing intelligent control platforms for the next generation of high-density, AI-powered data centres, with environmental performance front of mind.” For more from Aligned, click here.

GF introduces first-ever full-polymer Quick Connect Valve

The Quick Connect Valve 700 is a patented dual-ball valve engineered with the aim of enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) systems. The company claims that, "as the first all-polymer quick connect valve for data centre applications, it is 50% lighter and facilitates 25% better flow compared to conventional metal alternatives while offering easy, ergonomic handling." As demand for high-density, high-performance computing grows, DLC is reportedly becoming a preferred method for thermal management in next-generation data centres. By transporting coolant directly to the chip, DLC can improve thermal efficiency compared to air-based methods. A key component in this setup is the Technology Cooling System (TCS), which distributes coolant from the Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU) to individual server racks. To support this shift, manufacturer of plastic piping systems, valves, and fittings GF has developed the Quick Connect Valve 700, a fully plastic, dual-ball valve engineered for direct-to-chip liquid cooling environments. Positioned at the interface between the main distribution system and server racks, the valve is intended to enable fast, safe, and durable coolant connections in mission-critical settings. Built on GF’s Ball Valve 546 Pro platform, the Quick Connect Valve 700 features two identical PVDF valve halves and a patented dual-interlock lever. This mechanism ensures the valve can only be decoupled when both sides are securely closed, aiming to minimise fluid loss and maximise operator safety during maintenance. Its two-handed operation further reduces the risk of accidental disconnection. The valve is made of corrosion-free polymer, which is over 50% lighter than metal alternatives and provides a UL 94 V-0 flammability rating. Combined with the ergonomic design of its interlocking mechanism, the valve is, according to the company, easy to handle during installation and operation. At the same time, its full-bore valve design seeks to ensure an optimal flow profile and a reduced pressure drop of up to 25% compared to similar metal products. The product has a minimum expected service life of 25 years. “With the Quick Connect Valve 700, we’ve created a critical link in the DLC cooling loop that’s not only lighter and safer, but more efficient,” claims Charles Freda, Global Head of Data Centers at GF. “This innovation builds on our long-standing thermoplastic expertise to help operators achieve the performance and uptime their mission-critical environments demand.” The Quick Connect Valve 700 has been assessed with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) according to ISO 14025 and EN 15804. An EPD is a standardised, third-party verified document that uses quantified data from Life Cycle Assessments to estimate environmental impacts and enable comparisons between similar products. For more from GF, click here.

Whitepaper: Can AI solve the data centre energy paradox?

As the global demand for data continues to surge, data centres are rapidly scaling up, driven in large part by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Yet, whilst AI is accelerating innovation, it is also intensifying the energy challenge facing operators and infrastructure providers worldwide. In a new whitepaper from Hitachi Energy, the company explores this very paradox: can AI help to solve the sustainability and efficiency issues that it, in part, is responsible for creating? The technical brief, entitled Powering data centres sustainably in an AI world, delves into AI’s growing influence across the digital infrastructure sector, its impact on energy demand, and how it could enable a more efficient, sustainable future. In particular, it examines AI’s potential to optimise power consumption, streamline cooling strategies, and support smarter energy distribution across increasingly complex data centre estates. It also considers how AI can contribute to the broader clean energy transition, including integration with renewable energy sources and smarter grid interactions, among other key issues which are essential as the industry faces mounting pressure to align with global net zero goals. For data centre owners, operators, and energy stakeholders alike, the whitepaper offers timely insights into a future where AI could become both the driver and the solution for sustainable digital growth. You can read the full whitepaper here. For more from Hitachi, click here.

STULZ invests in Hamburg production facility for liquid cooling

STULZ, a manufacturer of mission-critical air conditioning technology, has invested in a new production facility dedicated to liquid cooling systems at its headquarters in Hamburg. The expansion reflects the company’s focus on meeting growing demand for advanced cooling systems across high-performance computing and AI-driven data centres. The site extension enables closer collaboration between STULZ’s research and development, product management, and service teams, aiming to improve internal coordination and streamline workflows. According to the company, this will accelerate the delivery of liquid cooling innovations, reduce time to market, and enhance customer support capabilities across global markets. “Liquid cooling is a highly effective way to efficiently dissipate heat from the sensitive IT equipment found in modern data centres,” says Jörg Desler, Global Director Technology at STULZ. “Liquid cooling solutions must therefore be manufactured to the highest standards, with rigorously tested materials, modern quality management, efficient production processes, and qualified and experienced personnel. "We are proud to have these attributes in place in Hamburg and are already expanding upon them with our new production facility.” STULZ offers a range of liquid cooling systems which it says are tailored to the needs of modern data centre environments. These include configurable complete systems, advanced chillers with free cooling functionality, and modular technologies for scalable, high-density deployments. The company states that all offerings are designed for precise temperature control, reliability, and sustainability. Among the products manufactured at the new facility is the CyberCool CMU cooling distribution unit, which enables control over both the facility water system and the technology cooling system. It manages coolant flow, temperature, and pressure across both sides of the liquid cooling infrastructure, with the aim of improving efficiency. The unit is available in two sizes and provides a continuously variable output of up to 1,380kW. It can also be customised to meet specific project requirements. The CyberCool CMU is produced in Hamburg and distributed to customers across the EMEA and US regions, while other STULZ production sites supply additional global markets. New variants and expanded product sizes are currently under development, supported by ongoing investment in the Hamburg facility. “With this expansion of our production capabilities, we are demonstrating our commitment to Hamburg and thus creating a further basis for growth, innovation, and sustainable employment, even in the face of international competition,” adds Jörg. “The development of liquid cooling for high performance computing and AI-driven data centres is a key component of our strategy to strengthen technological leadership and uphold our high standards of quality and service.” For more from STULZ, click here.

Chatsworth launches new eConnect PDUs

Chatsworth Products (CPI), a US-based manufacturer of IT infrastructure equipment, has launched a new addition to its eConnect Power Distribution Unit (PDU) portfolio, introducing a QuadLock outlet design that the company says provides improved outlet compatibility and power reliability for high-density, high-performance data centres. The new eConnect PDUs with QuadLock outlets aim to support a range of infrastructure requirements, including AI- and GPU-based computing environments, as well as liquid-cooled systems. The units are designed to enhance adaptability, reduce operational risk, and streamline deployment by integrating four outlet types - C13, C15, C19, and C21 - within a single chassis. CPI’s new offering supports all four outlet types with built-in locking mechanisms, without the need for proprietary power cords. “With data centres facing rapid technological advancements, including the proliferation of GPU and AI workloads, infrastructure flexibility and power reliability are more critical than ever,” argues Ashish Moondra, Senior Director of Electronics and Software at CPI. “eConnect PDUs with QuadLock Outlets empower our customers to quickly adapt to changing equipment requirements without sacrificing performance or uptime.” Key features of the eConnect PDU with QuadLock Outlets include: • Four-outlet compatibility — One unit supports C13, C15, C19, and C21 outlet types, increasing equipment compatibility and reducing the need for multiple PDU models. • Secure locking mechanism — Each outlet includes integrated locking to prevent accidental disconnections, including in high-vibration or high-traffic environments. • High-power support — Systems can deliver up to 57.5kW per cabinet with 100A input capacity, supporting intensive workloads. • Colour-coded outlets — Aids in load balancing and troubleshooting by making outlet identification easier. • Flexible integration — Compatible with all six CPI eConnect PDU models - Basic, Metered, Monitored, Monitored Pro, Switched, and Switched Pro - and can be pre-installed into CPI cabinets for quicker deployment. The modular design is intended to reduce PDU redundancy, simplify inventory management, and support a scalable approach to data centre infrastructure. CPI also highlights the product’s contribution to sustainability goals by reducing waste through long-term compatibility and reusability. The new PDUs will be available from 7 July 2025 through CPI’s global network of distribution partners.

RETN upgrades Lithuanian network ring

RETN, an independent global network services provider, has announced the upgrade of its Lithuanian network ring connecting Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, and Panevėžys. The upgrade enhances regional connectivity within Lithuania by extending high-capacity services across these cities, while maintaining Vilnius and Kaunas as key nodes on RETN’s international backbone linking the Baltics with major European hubs. Working in partnership with fibre provider Skaidula, and in response to customer demand, RETN deployed 100G DWDM transponders across key regional routes, complementing the existing Nx100G and Nx400G services in Vilnius and Kaunas. The upgraded segments now operate with 500G of installed capacity and are designed to scale to 1.2Tbps and beyond as demand grows. The upgraded ring improves access across the Baltic region and provides direct routes to border points with Latvia and Poland, with onward connectivity to Warsaw, Stockholm, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and other key locations. "As Lithuania continues to grow as a technology powerhouse, RETN is committed to providing fast, secure, and future-proof connectivity to meet the demands of the region's rapidly evolving IT sector,” comments Timur Pertenava, Commercial Director, Nordic & Baltic at RETN. “Our upgraded infrastructure is designed to support the growing needs of international carriers, cloud providers, and the thriving local unicorn ecosystem." This upgrade is part of a broader programme to expand RETN's IP and DWDM backbone across the region to support the growing traffic volumes from Lithuania's IT and data hosting sectors. For more from RETN, click here.

LINX, Megaport partner to expand cloud connectivity for London

The London Internet Exchange (LINX), an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) operator of digital infrastructure across the UK, Africa, and the United States, has today announced a partnership with global Network as a Service (NaaS) provider Megaport to enhance cloud connectivity options for its members. This collaboration brings an expansion to the LINX Cloud Connect service, enabling access to a broader suite of cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud, and others. Through this partnership, LINX members in London can now use Megaport’s global infrastructure to connect to cloud service providers directly from their existing multi-service port. This means one invoice, port, and point of contact for engineering support, aiming to streamline operations and reduce complexity for network operators. “This partnership with Megaport is a significant step forward in our mission to ensure we are best serving our UK members,” says Tyrone Turner, Product Manager at LINX. “Our community now have even more choice and control when it comes to low-latency peering and cloud connectivity, all through a single interface.” Megaport is a LINX member network and ConneXions Reseller Partner. “This partnership gives LINX members a faster, simpler path to cloud,” claims Emmanuel Sevray, VP of Sales, EMEA at Megaport. “By combining Megaport’s global infrastructure and broad cloud ecosystem with LINX’s interconnection services, UK networks can connect to leading cloud providers with less complexity, accessing the services they need, when and where they need them.” LINX Cloud Connect is designed to try to simplify cloud adoption. With Megaport’s integration, the company hopes LINX members will gain greater flexibility and reach, empowering them to build hybrid and multi-cloud environments. For more from LINX, click here.

Allegro argues case for sustainable energy storage

As data centre expansion accelerates to meet the demands of AI, cryptocurrencies, and cloud services, Australia-based developer Allegro Energy is arguing for the relevance and applicability of its long-duration energy storage (LDES) technology in "enabling scalable, sustainable energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of modern data centres." With data centres operating on consistent, high-load profiles, they are uniquely positioned to benefit from a clean power strategy that combines renewable generation with long-duration energy storage. Allegro Energy’s modular, scalable, and environmentally-friendly battery systems, according to the company, "present a solution that overcomes the prohibitive cost, scalability, and sustainability challenges associated with traditional lithium-ion or vanadium-based systems." • Modularity & scalability — Allegro’s LDES systems are designed to grow in parallel with a data centre’s needs, allowing incremental investment and deployment. • Renewable compatibility — The system pairs with solar and wind energy, aiming to help data centres navigate grid volatility and peak pricing while advancing towards net zero carbon targets. • Climate-friendly storage chemistry — The water-based electrolyte technology is not resource-constrained, hoping to offer a low-impact alternative that can be deployed at scale. “The exponential growth of generative AI, cloud computing, and digital services has made energy a critical chokepoint in data infrastructure,” says Thomas Nann, CEO of Allegro Energy. “We believe the future of high-performance computing does not need to come at the cost of the planet. With our technology, data centres can be powered entirely by renewables, supported by reliable, cost-effective long-duration storage.” Allegro Energy’s proprietary, locally manufactured micro-emulsion electrolyte technology eliminates the need for scarce or rare metals, reducing fire risk and allowing for extended storage durations at a lower cost.

Riello UPS Ireland appoints new Managing Director

Critical power protection specialist Riello UPS Ireland has announced the appointment of Ian Jackson as its new Managing Director. With more than 25 years of commercial, technical, and management experience in the critical power industry, Ian takes on overall day-to-day responsibilities for leading the company, which is now based in a facility in H2 Baldonnell Business Park, Dublin 22, after recently relocating from its original premises in Ballycoolin, Dublin 11. Ian has a long history in the power protection industry, including nearly 20 years managing Pure Power Systems, an independent UPS distributor he founded and scaled until its acquisition by a US multinational company in 2017. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from TU Dublin, a Postgraduate Certificate in Energy Systems and Decarbonisation from Dublin City University, and an MBA from Dublin City University Business School. His appointment signals a renewed push to increase brand awareness of Riello UPS in the data centre, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, medtech, aviation, fintech, and telecoms markets. Riello UPS Ireland launched in November 2022, becoming the seventeenth subsidiary of the Italian headquartered RPS, the second-largest manufacturer of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) in Europe. Ian comments, “I was very fortunate to be the first Irish distributor of Riello UPS systems when I formed Pure Power Systems back in 2003 and am now privileged to directly represent this wonderful company in Ireland. “I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with my many colleagues throughout the industry and leading our fantastic team to offer the very best in critical power products and services.” Ian will work closely with Leo Craig, the long-standing Managing Director of Riello UPS in the UK, who, until this appointment, had previously combined overseeing both the UK and Irish subsidiaries. Leo says, “We are thrilled to welcome Ian to the team. He brings incredible commercial, technical, and management experience, as well as a huge passion for leadership and customer service. “Riello UPS is already a well-established brand in Ireland with strong links through several resellers and distributors. But we still have huge untapped potential for growth, and we believe under Ian’s stewardship we are now well-placed to fully capitalise on this expanding market for us.” An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides protection against electrical power outages and disturbances. It offers instantaneous battery backup that enables critical equipment like computers, IT systems, and machinery to keep running until the power returns or a standby generator kicks in. For more from Riello UPS, click here.